The holiday shopping season is now officially under way, and with that the owners of many locally owned shops are hopeful that they will be remembered as shoppers search for the idea gifts.

Among the hopeful businesses is Story Book Kids, 10725 Reading Road, in Evendale. A family owned business that's been around since the 1980s, family member Jill Cowman said that the holiday season is "huge" for their business.

Within the shop's walls and its online store, shoppers can find an expansive selection of unique and special gift items. From collectibles to seasonal, the shop has it, she said. For example, the store has about 6,000 different styles of glass ornaments with something unique to fit within any price range.

What sets Story Book Kids apart from the "big box stores" is that it offers shoppers the opportunity to find gifts that are unique and special, Cowman said.

Four years ago, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help the family owned businesses to attract more customers during the holiday shopping season. It's a day for which Cowman said she's grateful.

"I think it's wonderful," she said. "I think it should be more than one day a year. It's nice that American Express does that. It brings us back to how the United States was built on the small business and the families."

At the Montgomery Cyclery shop, 8483 Beechmont Ave., in Anderson Township, store manager Rob Reeves said that Small Business Saturday has been helpful for business. "We have participated the last couple of years," he said. The holiday season is also an important time for this locally owned business.

Of course, when it comes to bicycles, the warmer the weather the better for business, he noted.

Joe Stagge, owner of Pit Row Radio Control Racing, 7796 Montgomery Road, in Sycamore Township, has participated in Small Business Saturday since its introduction. Each year it's gotten better.

"I think it's great to bring awareness to small business," he said. "Let's face it, the competition is tough."

For his shop,which specializes in plastic car models, rockets and a variety of radio controlled toys, the competition is not only from neighboring shops but also the Internet. Pit Row does not have an online store.

The holiday shopping season typically represents about 30-40 percent of retail sales for traditional stores, Stagge said. For Pit Row that figure is more like 15-20 percent.

"It's important," he said. "If there was no holiday, it might make a difference between whether we're here or not."

Your turn

What local businesses do you patronize during the holidays? Comment below and send your thoughts to rmaloney@communitypress.com.